|
During your Denver vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Four Mile Historic Park
Four miles southeast of downtown Denver -- thus the name -- the oldest log home (1859) still standing in Denver serves as the centerpiece for this 12-acre open-air museum. Everything is authentic to the period from 1859 to 1883, including the house (a former stagecoach stop), its furnishings, outbuildings, and farm equipment. There are draft horses and chickens in the barn, and crops in the garden. Weekend visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides ($2), weather permitting. Seasonal "Heritage Events" feature pioneer-era musicians and actors as well as many food and craft demonstrations. Big events include July 4th and an outdoor theater series. Allow 1 hour.
U.S. Mint
Whether we worship it or simply consider money a necessary commodity, we all have to admit a certain fascination with the coins and bills that seem to make the world turn. There are four mints in the United States, but the Denver Mint is one of only two (the other is the Philadelphia Mint) where we can actually see the process of turning lumps of metal into shiny coins.Opened in 1863, the Mint originally melted gold dust and nuggets into bars. In 1904 the office moved to this site, and 2 years later began making gold and silver coins. Copper pennies were added a few years later. The last silver dollars (containing 90% silver) were coined in 1935. In 1970, all silver was eliminated from dollars and half dollars (today they're made of a copper-nickel alloy). The Denver Mint stamps billions of coins each year, and each has a small D on it.Although visitors today don't get as close as they once did, a self-guided tour along the visitors' gallery provides a good look at the process, with a bird's-eye view from the mezzanine of the actual coin-minting process. A variety of displays help explain the minting process, and an adjacent gift shop on Cherokee Street (tel. 303/572-9500) offers a variety of souvenirs. Allow 1 hour.Note: Due to greatly increased security, individuals are now required to arrange tours at least 3 weeks in advance with their congressional representatives at www.senate.gov or www.house.gov, and there are quite a few requirements for entering the mint. It is uncertain that walk-in visitors will be allowed in the future.
Denver Zoo
More than 750 species of animals (more than 4,000 individuals) live in this spacious zoological park, home to the rare deer-like okapi as well as endangered cheetahs, Komodo dragons, and western lowland gorillas. The newest (and most ambitious) habitat here is Predator Ridge, a re-created African savannah with lions, hyenas, and other African predators, opening along with a new entrance and parking facility in 2004. The exhibit is modeled after a Kenyan preserve, complete with artificial termite mounds that disperse insects for the banded mongoose that live here. The zoo has long been an innovator in re-creating realistic habitats: Bear Mountain, built in 1918, was the first animal exhibit in the United States constructed of simulated concrete rockwork.The zoo is home to the nation's first natural gas-powered train ($1). The electric Safari Shuttle ($2.50 adults, $1.50 children) tours all zoo paths from spring through fall. An especially kid-friendly attraction is the Conversation Carousel ($1), featuring wood-carved renditions of such endangered species as okapi, polar bears, Komodo dragons, and hippos. The Hungry Elephant, a cafeteria with an outdoor eating area, serves full meals, and picnicking is popular, too. Feeding times are posted near the zoo entrance so you can time your visit to see the animals at their most active. Allow from 2 hours to a whole day.
Burnsley All Suite Hotel
Capitol Hill's premier boutique hotel offers a blend of European style and personalized service. Each of our executive luxury suites offers inspiring views of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. Located just seconds from Denver's shopping, dining and entertainment district. Come stay with us and enjoy the "Suite ...
Holiday Inn DENVER-INTL AIRPORT AREA
Welcome to Denver Colorado! The Holiday Inn Denver International Airport is minutes from DIA and Downtown Denver on I-70. Enjoy our newly renovated hotel with cascading waterfall while relaxing in our garden atrium. Our spacious guest rooms include complimentary high speed Internet, work desk, and new Serta beds. Dine at The Coffee Terrace, where kids 12 and under always eat free. This Denver airport hotel on Interstate 70 is now fully renovated from guest room to public space. The Denver ...
|
|
